THE chief executive of South Lakeland District Council, who was cleared of misconduct by an independent investigation, has retired from the authority, reports Michaela Robinson-Tate.

Philip Cunliffe's six-year career with SLDC came to an end on Monday after he had completed nearly 36 years in local government.

In a statement, SLDC leader Colin Hodgson said: "Philip Cunliffe has worked very hard over the last six years to make South Lakeland a better place to live, work and visit.

"I wish him every success and best wishes for the future and thank him for his contribution to South Lakeland."

In turn, Mr Cunliffe spoke in praise of the "public sector ethos" shown by his colleagues, and said it had been a privilege to work with them.

Mr Cunliffe was suspended from his post at the authority last April, alongside two other officers, after it emerged that the annual costs of the council's new pay and grading structure would have reached £1.6 million by 2009, or £1 million more than originally estimated.

In a report into the issue produced by local government expert Rodney Brooke, Mr Cunliffe was cleared of misconduct.

However, Mr Brooke recommended that the option of early retirement should be explored.

In his report, a copy of which was obtained by The Westmorland Gazette, Mr Brooke concluded that the events surrounding the pay and grading structure had "severely damaged the confidence of the council in Mr Cunliffe as chief executive".

Mr Cunliffe, who is an engineer by profession, said he was not able to speak to the Gazette this week because of a confidentiality agreement.

In a statement released by the council he said: "During the past five years I have led the council through a number of difficult issues and led the change process, which has created a modernised council focused on necessary service delivery.

"I have also had to deal with a number of emergencies, such as the foot-and-mouth outbreak, local flooding and the fuel crisis, while ensuring that normal service delivery continued."

SLDC acting chief executive Mike Jones said that SLDC could not make any additional comment about Mr Cunliffe.

He said decisions about the vacant chief executive's post would be taken by the council's leader and members.

When asked if he would be interested in the role, Mr Jones said: "Despite the difficult circumstances of the last nine months, I have enjoyed the challenge of leading the authority and feel that we have made some progress in very difficult circumstances.

"I'm extremely happy at SLDC and look forward to working for it in whatever capacity the council may decide."

Mr Jones's report into the pay and grading structure, and the subsequent suspensions, is due to be discussed by the council on February 22.